Late winter

I see that I last wrote a post in October!Not much has happened at the plot since then. I have done a bit of digging, and replaced the manure in my hot bed, into which I have sown lettuce (just showing) carrots and beetroot. And I have continued picking purple sprouting broccoli, which is delicious. The onions that I sowed in autumn have nearly all survived, but I shall be filling in the gaps and sowing some extras this spring. In addition, my potatoes are chitting at home, but it will be a while before I can sow any.

The picture on the left shows what will, when finished, be my strawberry cage. I am putting coarse netting over the frame, with a doorway at one end, so the birds cannot get in. Then slugs look out! I shall be dosing the ground inside liberally with slug pellets.

One other project that got off the ground last year was a hive of bees on the allotment. For a long time, I have been interested in keeping bees, so I made myself known to the beekeeper, and have helped over the last few months, although the winter has been cold and wet so we have not been able to open the hive to see what is happening as it would chill them. I have now taken the plunge, and (having been given the basics for my birthday) I am attending a theory course, and have just been given a 'nucleus' of bees. Honey glazed parsnips? Can't wait!"